Overview

This study evaluates whether combining two distinct pain-relief techniques-a peripheral nerve block called the Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) and a low-dose spinal medication injection called Intrathecal Morphine (ITM)-provides better postoperative pain management for adult patients undergoing major midline abdominal surgery (laparotomy) compared to using either technique alone. The main goal is to see if this combination improves pain control and reduces the total amount of opioids required by patients within the first 48 hours after surgery.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria Patients scheduled to undergo elective or emergency midline exploratory laparotomy.

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I, II, or III. Intact cognitive ability to comprehend study procedures, use the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) accurately, and provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria Contraindications to regional or neuraxial anesthesia (e.g., patient refusal, localized infection at needle insertion sites, known coagulopathy (INR \>1.5 or platelet count \<80,000/\\mu L), or un-pausable therapeutic anticoagulation).

Known allergy or severe hypersensitivity to local anesthetics or morphine. Chronic pain conditions requiring daily opioid consumption for \>3 months preoperatively.

Documented history of substance use disorder. Severe chronic respiratory disease (e.g., COPD requiring home oxygen therapy, or severe obstructive sleep apnea not managed with CPAP).

Neurological or psychiatric conditions that compromise sensory perception or communication.

Surgical incisions planned to extend significantly past the midline. Severe spinal deformities or a history of spinal surgery at the targeted block/injection interspaces.

Concurrent enrollment in any other interventional clinical trial.